Visit Muscat, Oman. Culture meets beach fun

Sultan Qaboos

The mosque is named after the previous Sultan Qaboos, who died in 2020. After a coup that forced his tyrannical father into exile, Sultan Qaboos ruled Oman for more than 50 years. He lifted the stifling restrictions under which the population suffered and opened the borders. Sultan Qaboos transformed the poor country into a prosperous one by stimulating the economy and making agreements with other Arab countries. At the same time, he used revenues from the oil industry to fund social programs. Health care and education for all Omanis were central to his policies. The Sultan was beloved by young and old alike. He was able to modernize the country and put it on the world map without abandoning its ancient traditions. Sultan Qaboos was succeeded by his nephew Haitham BinTarik, who served in his government for nearly 20 years.

The mosque interior

Sultan Qaboos was a man of the world and incorporated the finest materials from far and near to embellish the mosque. The walls and ceiling of the prayer hall are lined with marble from Italy, and 35 Swarovski chandeliers illuminate the scene. The central chandelier is a giant weighing 8 tons. In addition, the walls and the inside of the dome are decorated with colorful mosaics and golden inscriptions. The mihrab, the niche in the wall that points the way to Mecca, is of extraordinary beauty. Then there is the Persian carpet. The second largest carpet in the world weighs 21 tons, measures 70 by 60 meters, and covers the floor of the prayer hall from wall to wall. It took 4 years to knot by up to 600 women. The scene is overwhelming and it will take your breath away.

The mosque exterior

The fantastic exterior of the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is also very impressive. The elegant mosque is built of Indian sandstone, carved by 60 artisans in Muscat and about 200 in India. Some designs are inspired by the Taj Mahal and include semi-precious stones. The architecture of the mosque harmoniously integrates several Arab and Islamic styles. The central dome of the prayer hall is 50 meters high and covered with gold. There are 4 minarets at the corners with a fifth, 90 meters high, in the center of the structure. They symbolize the 5 pillars of Islam: faith, prayer, charity, fasting and pilgrimage.

What you should know

As a tourist, you can visit the mosque between 8 and 11 am, except on Fridays. There is a large parking lot and admission is free.

You must dress modestly. If you are a woman, cover your body, leaving only your hands and feet exposed. You must also wear a headscarf. If you are a man, wear long pants. A short-sleeved shirt or T-shirt is acceptable. Children under the age of 10 are not allowed in the prayer room.

Visit the Royal Opera House

Sultan Qaboos loved classical music and had the elegant white Royal Opera House built in contemporary Omani style. The Opera House opened its doors to music and culture lovers in 2011. The majestic entrance hall with carved white columns and wooden ceiling leads to a cozy 1,100-seat theater. The walls and ceilings are lined with finely carved wood panels. The Royal Opera House is one of the most technologically advanced opera houses in the world, capable of transforming into a modern concert hall at the touch of a button.

The Mutrah Souk and Corniche

Right next to the historic heart of Muscat with the Sultan's Palace is the lively Mutrah. Situated on a beautiful, easily accessible bay, the district is an important center for trade and shipping.

The Souk

A stroll through the enchanting, traditional Mutrah Souk is a real treat. The maze of alleys is lined with colorful stalls selling all kinds of jewelry, textiles, household goods, food and spices. The merchants are not pushy and allow you to browse at your leisure. If you enjoy the hustle and bustle of a souk, plan to visit in the late afternoon.

The Corniche

A large boulevard with a wide promenade runs the entire length of Mutrah Bay. This is the Mutrah Corniche. This is where you come for a pleasant walk along the waterfront overlooking the port. You'll see fishing boats, cruise ships and the Sultan's two luxury yachts. Keep in mind that it gets hot during the day. When the heat subsides in the evening, the locals come out and the Corniche comes alive.

Qasr Al Alam, the Sultan's Palace

From Mutrah, it is only a few kilometers to the old town of Muscat and the Sultan's ceremonial Al Alam Palace. The palace overlooks the bay and is only used for official business and state visits. The palace is surrounded by the Al Mirani and Al Jalali forts, which date back to the 16th century. Unfortunately, you cannot visit the palace and forts, but the view from the outside is worth it.

Amouage, a gift to queens

Oman is the historic trading center for frankincense and myrrh, and Sultan Qaboos was determined to return his country to the forefront of the Arab world of perfume. In 1983, he commissioned legendary perfumer Guy Robert to create the world's most precious perfume. The result was Amouage Gold, the Sultan's gift to the queens of the world. 

Amouage perfumes are created with the finest and rarest extracts and essential oils in the world. They are luxurious and sensual, modern and sophisticated. If, like me, you are a lover of distinctive, complex perfumes, then a visit to the House of Amouage in Muscat is a must. After an informative tour and a wealth of floral and spicy scents, you can purchase your precious perfume in the shop.

Time to hit the beach: The Chedi Muscat

Muscat is not just about culture and architecture. Situated on the Gulf of Oman, Muscat offers beautiful, sun-drenched beaches. You will find many luxury hotels where pampering takes on a whole new meaning.

We chose The Chedi, a stylish and opulent resort with a 350-meter private beach, a world-class spa, beautiful gardens, gourmet world cuisine and the longest pool in the region. After soaking up the sun and sipping cocktails at sunset on one of the enchanting outdoor terraces, it was hard to return home.